The Steel Guitar Forum

I am rebuilding a 1974 ShoBud Professional. What lube should I use on changers and other parts?
Thanks, Jim

Lots of lubes will do a good job. Here's my choice:


http://www.gregcutshaw.com/Lubricate/Lubricate.html

Thanks. That’s what I’ll use.

I've been able to find Tri-Flow at ACE Hdwr.
A bit faster than online.

Ace was the only place I could find it.

I use Tri-Flow or Rem-Oil......Both work well, but use one or the other- don’t mix them.

misfire

My local bike store has tri-flow

Dan Beller-McKenna wrote:My local bike store has tri-flow

Dan,
I do not recommend the version of Tri-Flow usually sold in bike shops, labelled "Tri-Flow Superior Dry Lube" for use on a PSG with roller-nuts (nearly all PSGs).

From the description on Amazon: "Featuring paraffin wax and high-grade petroleum oil to allow the lube to go on wet, but then set up in a dry, 'wax-like' film so it will not attract or absorb grit and grime."
That paraffin wax is great on a bike chain, but that "dry, wax-like film" is terrible on steel guitar roller-nuts--it gums them up so the strings will not return to pitch without an extensive cleaning to remove the wax from the roller-nuts.

OTOH, Tri-Flow without the word "Dry" in the product name (without the dry paraffin wax) is great for a PSG.

-Dave

Nor would I. My bike shop sells the non-paraffin version

Thanks Dave!
This is great information re the parafin. I actualy have a little bottle of that stuff and was about to use it on my Bud. Wax sounds like a really bad idea! There is also a WD-40 Specialist “dry lube” product with PTFE. Not sure about residual waxes with that one though, so I’ll stear clear of that stuff too until I know more about it.
By the way, ANY of these products will make your banjo slip right out of your lap in no time!
Mark

Jimmy Crawford told me a long time ago to use 5w 30 weight motor oil.he said to pour it over the changer system and let it drip.

5w30 might be a little light (depending upon make and model of the steel). On the other hand, winter is just around the corner and the lower viscosity might make it easier crankin ‘er in the morning.